Pigmentable epidermis equivalent prepared from matrix cells and methods for the production thereof

Abstract

Epidermis equivalents capable of pigmentation include cells derived from the differentiation of matrix cells; reconstructed skins comprised thereof, optionally containing hair follicles, are useful for evaluating the effect of topical cosmetic, pharmaceutical or dermatological products and may also be used for the preparation of grafts suited to be transplanted on mammals, more particularly on human patients such as victims of third-degree burns.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A man-made reconstructed epidermis consisting essentially of melanocytes having three or more dendrites and keratinocytes, wherein the reconstructed epidermis is prepared by culturing follicular matrix cells on an artificial dermis so that said follicular matrix cells proliferate and differentiate into said melanocytes and keratinocytes on the artificial dermis, and wherein said reconstructed epidermis is not prepared with fibroblasts of the dermal papilla or cells removed from the outer epithelial sheath. 
     
     
       2. A man-made reconstructed epidermis consisting essentially of melanocytes having three or more dendrites, keratinocytes, and optionally Langerhans' and/or Merkel cells, wherein the reconstructed epidermis is prepared by culturing follicular matrix cells and optionally Langerhan's and/or Merkel cells on an artificial dermis so that said follicular matrix cells proliferate and differentiate into said melanocytes and keratinocytes on the artificial dermis, and wherein said reconstructed epidermis is not prepared with fibroblasts of the dermal papilla or cells removed from the outer epithelial sheath. 
     
     
       3. The reconstructed epidermis as defined by  claim 1  or  claim 2  and having a basal layer, wherein said melanocytes uniformly surround said keratinocytes and wherein said keratinocytes are in the basal layer of said reconstructed epidermis. 
     
     
       4. The reconstructed epidermis as defined by  claim 1  or  claim 3 , wherein the reconstructed epidermis is uniformly pigmented. 
     
     
       5. A man-made skin model consisting essentially of a reconstructed epidermis on an artificial dermis, the reconstructed epidermis consisting essentially of melanocytes having three or more dendrites and keratinocytes, wherein the reconstructed epidermis is prepared by culturing follicular matrix cells on the artificial dermis so that said follicular matrix cells proliferate and differentiate into said melanocytes and keratinocytes on the artificial dermis, and wherein said reconstructed epidermis is not prepared with fibroblasts of the dermal papilla or cells removed from the outer epithelial sheath.